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IIT Guwahati Creates Sunlight-Powered Catalyst to Turn CO2 into Methanol

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a novel photocatalytic material that uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into methanol fuel. The technology combines graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene to minimize energy loss and improve efficiency. The innovation holds potential for application in industries like power plants and refineries to capture emissions. The team now aims to scale the technology for practical use and develop long-lasting systems.

Key Points: IIT Guwahati Develops Sunlight Catalyst to Convert CO2 to Fuel

  • Converts CO2 to methanol using sunlight
  • Uses graphene to boost efficiency
  • Targets industrial emissions
  • Aims for a circular carbon economy
2 min read

IIT Guwahati develops sunlight-driven catalyst to convert CO2 into methanol fuel

IIT Guwahati researchers create a new photocatalytic material using graphene to convert carbon dioxide into methanol fuel using sunlight.

"Converting CO2 to greener fuel using solar energy is a promising technology - Prof. Mahuya De"

Guwahati, Jan 5

In a significant step towards clean fuel and environmental protection, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a photocatalytic material that can convert carbon dioxide into methanol fuel using sunlight.

Even as the dependence on petroleum-based fuels continues to be a source of CO2 emissions, causing environmental stress and global warming, the study, published in the Journal of Materials Science, addresses the most essential challenges -- on how to meet the rising energy needs without further harming the environment.

The new technology holds the potential to be used in industries such as thermal power plants, cement manufacturing units, steel production facilities, and petrochemical refineries, supporting the transition towards a circular carbon economy and a cleaner energy future.

"The present work is expected to contribute towards mitigating environmental problems, with simultaneous contribution towards green energy. Converting CO2 to greener fuel using solar energy is a promising technology towards this direction," said Prof. Mahuya De, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati.

Researchers worldwide have been working on addressing this critical challenge by utilising graphitic carbon nitride, a low-cost, metal-free, non-toxic material. However, due to limitations such as rapid energy loss and low fuel generation, no prominent solution has been developed so far.

The IIT Guwahati team combined graphitic carbon nitride with few-layer graphene. Known for its electrical conductivity and energy transfer capabilities, this ultra-thin carbon material helped minimise energy loss within the catalyst.

The study demonstrated that the incorporation of few-layer graphene improved the photocatalytic energy retention of carbon nitride under visible light/sunlight exposure. It kept the catalyst active for a longer duration, resulting in better light absorption and improved charge generation.

Among the composites tested, the catalyst with 15 weight percentage graphene demonstrated the most efficient conversion of CO2 to methanol. It also displayed strong stability, an important quality for its practical applications.

As the next step, the research team aims to scale the technology for practical use. The team also plans to develop a long-lasting photocatalytic system that can convert industrial CO2 emissions into clean fuels.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Amazing work! Using sunlight, which we have in abundance, to tackle CO2 is a perfect solution for our climate goals. Kudos to Prof. De and the team at IIT Guwahati. 👏
M
Michael C
As someone working in the energy sector, this is promising but the real test is scalability and cost. Many lab breakthroughs struggle there. I hope the next phase addresses these practical hurdles effectively.
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Rohit P
Waah! This is true jugaad for the environment. Turning a problem (CO2) into a solution (fuel). If this works at scale, it could be a game-changer for our industrial cities like Singrauli or Korba.
S
Sarah B
The focus on using low-cost, non-toxic materials like carbon nitride is key. Makes the technology more accessible globally. Great to see Indian research contributing to such a critical global challenge.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, while the science is impressive, we've heard many such announcements. The article itself says no prominent solution has been developed so far. I'll celebrate when I see this installed at a thermal plant near me. The gap between lab and field is huge.
A
Ananya R
This makes me so hopeful for the future! Imagine if our steel and cement plants could become fuel producers instead of just polluters

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